Washington Park Community Center Breaks Ground This December, Creating 150 New Jobs
By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Washington Park ·
Washington Park residents have reason to celebrate this holiday season as Sunshine Gospel Ministries announces the official groundbreaking ceremony for their long-awaited community center will take place this December, ahead of their original July 2025 timeline. The $36.9 million, 77,050-square-foot facility at 6016 S. King Drive will transform 4.1 acres of previously vacant land into a vibrant community hub.
The three-story Sunshine Community Center will feature an impressive array of amenities including a gymnasium with basketball courts, a roller skating rink, café with performance stage, visual arts classrooms, recording studio, tech rooms, demonstration kitchen, and outdoor athletic facilities. Most importantly, public programs at the center will be free for neighborhood residents, with fees applied only for event space rentals and fitness center access. The project is expected to create 150 construction jobs and 87 permanent positions upon completion, providing significant economic opportunities for the community.
Residents interested in learning more about the center's programs or construction timeline can attend an upcoming informational session hosted by Sunshine Gospel Ministries on December 27th at their current offices. Community members are encouraged to bring questions and suggestions as the organization finalizes plans for this transformative neighborhood resource that aims to serve approximately 2,000 people annually.
Sources:
1. https://www.sunshinegospel.org/blog/2025/02/11/city-of-chicago-awards-sgm-5-million-grant
2. https://chicagoyimby.com/2025/02/additional-funding-granted-for-sunshine-community-center-in-washington-park.html
3. https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2025/april/City-Council-Approves-Planning-Development-Measures-April-2025.html
4. https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/02/07/washington-park-community-center-project-gets-5m-boost-from-city/
5. https://www.chicagoconstructionnews.com/land-sale-will-support-new-washington-park-community-center/